Obice da 75/18 modello 34
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The Obice da 75/18 modello 34 was an Italian artillery piece used during World War II.
[edit] History
Much of Italy is mountainous, so the Italian army has always had an interest in mountain artillery. In the 1930's much of Italy's mountain artillery was obsolescent and overdue for replacement.
In 1934, the Italian firm of Ansaldo produced a new mountain howitzer design, the Obice da 75/18 modello 34, which could be broken down into eight loads for transport. In the interest of standardization and logistics the 75/18 modello 34 was also used as the light howitzer component of normal field batteries.
The Italians sold the modello 35 abroad in order to obtain foreign currency. In 1940 a sizeable batch was sold to Portugal, and more went to South American countries in exchange for raw materials. The gun was also used as the main armament of the Semovente 75/18 self-propelled gun where, due to its "Effetto Pronto" (HEAT) ammunition, offered also a good anti-tank capability.
[edit] Characteristics
- Caliber: 75 mm
- Length: 1.557 m (61.3 in)
- Travelling Weight: 1852 kg (4,080 lb)
- Weight in Action: 1050 kg (2,315 lb)
- Elevation: -10 to +45 degrees
- Traverse: 50 degrees
- Muzzle Velocity: 425 m/s (1,395 ft/s)
- Range: 9564 m (10,460 yards)
- Shell Weight: 6.4 kg (14.1 lb)
